Proposed fishing limits elicit criticism on Maui

KAHULUI » Proposed limits for Maui and Lanai fisheries on popular near-shore fish are drawing criticism from those who argue that the rules would disrupt Native Hawaiian cultural traditions.

A community meeting organized by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources to explain the proposals drew about 100 people to Maui Waena Intermediate School on Wednesday. The changes would involve bag and size limits for fish including goatfish, parrotfish and jacks.

"I learned how to fish from the old people," said Haiku resident James Sagawinit. "If I lose this, I lose my cultural rights."

Makawao resident Maui Fernandez said his 14-year-old son is starting to learn how to throw a net. "How (am) I gonna tell him, ‘Sorry, boy, you cannot keep your ulua. That's just another part of your Hawaiian (heritage) you cannot do anymore,'" he said.

The department is holding meetings to explain the proposals, how they were developed and what the process will be going forward.

"There's a need to better manage these fish resources; there's a great amount of concern about perceived overharvest," said Russell Sparks, an aquatic biologist with the department's Division of Aquatic Resources.

His division received 128 surveys showing that 70 percent were supportive of the changes. But those at the meeting said they never heard of the surveys circulated three years ago and that decisions shouldn't be based on the opinions of only 128 people.

Paia resident and lifelong fisherman Patrick Borge said the state should look at other ways to manage fish resources.

Other meetings are scheduled for next month in Kahu­lui, in Hana, Maui, and on Lanai.

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islandsunwrote:

Don't even have the meeting just place the limits in effect. Cultural rights, baloney. The fact that you guys complaining means you not practicing or teaching the kapu system. We get plenty clowns like you on Oahu.

on October 18,2013 | 07:13AM

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Slowwrote:

Over-fishing is not a cultural right. It is the opposite. Anyone using ancient bone and wood fishhooks? Sustaining the old Hawaiian fishponds? Or are you using modern fishing technologies to deplete Hawaiian waters of life?

on October 18,2013 | 08:05AM

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Grimboldwrote:

Always the same story: The ocean gets emptied by competitive fishermen. "If I don't catch it the other guy will" is their philosophy. This irresponsible behavior is encouraged by the authorities who have no reasonable plan to manage the resource. In the end the yield is down 99% from where it could be. Just look at Hanauma Bay: Bursting with fish. Then look at Kaneohe Bay: A Tragedy.
This happens in all oceans. And when attempts are made to manage and stop the insane overfishing the fishermen protest loudly. And the cowards from fishery management cave in. To the public hearings mostly only fishermen go, because it is so bothersome.

on October 18,2013 | 08:46AM

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juscastingwrote:

I'm a advid fiserman. I do it for sport, not because it's my cultural right, and I'am part Jawaiian. I support this bill 100%. Wish they would do the same her on Oahu. Ban all types of gill nets for starters, including all those donkeys who surround all the Akule, O'io, Opelu etc.

on October 18,2013 | 03:18PM

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Grimboldwrote:

Thanks , I support your idea.

on October 18,2013 | 05:02PM

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konag43wrote:

WHATS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE THEY ARE TRYING TO SAVE THE FISH SPECIES . IF CHANGES ARE NOT MADE THERE WILL BE NO FISH AT ALL WILL YOU AND YOUR NATIVES RIGHTS BE HAPPY THEN. YOU CAN TEACH YOUR KIDS HOW TO THROW NET WITHOUT CATCHING ANY FISH ITS THE ART OF THROWING NOT ACTUALLY CATCHING.
YOU ARE SOOO RIGHT GRIMBOLD AND JUSTCASTING